Convenient solid product dispensing package

ABSTRACT

A blank used to form a hexagonal shaped box, the blank having a front sidewall and a back sidewall, a first sidewall having a first sidewall top flap and a first sidewall bottom flap, a second sidewall having a second sidewall top flap and a second sidewall bottom flap, a second sidewall bottom flap extension foldably connected to the second sidewall bottom flap, a third sidewall having a third sidewall top panel, a fourth sidewall having a fourth sidewall top flap and a fourth sidewall bottom flap, a fourth sidewall bottom flap extension foldably connected to the fourth sidewall bottom flap, an inner sidewall foldably connected to the fourth sidewall, an inner sidewall flap foldably connected to the inner sidewall, a top panel including an aperture for dispensing food product there through, a bottom panel foldably connected to the front sidewall, and a slide foldably connected to the front sidewall.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This United States Non-Provisional Pat. Application is a Continuation ofUnited States Non-Provisional Pat. Application No. 17/086,161, titled“Convenient Solid Product Dispensing Package,” filed Oct. 30, 2020,which claims priority to United States Provisional Pat. ApplicationSerial No. 62/928,299, titled “Convenient Solid Product DispensingPackage,” filed Oct. 30, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles have circular cup holders for drinks to be convenientlyheld. Similarly, movie theaters, sports arenas and the like have seatswith adjacent cup holders to hold drinks. Candy or other small piece offood (e.g. popcorn), however, are typically sold in flexible paper orplastic bags which are difficult to seal or store in a moving vehicle orto keep on one’s person while watching a movie or sports game. Once thepackages are opened, the candy or food pieces are often spilled onto theseats and can become sticky, or otherwise soil the seat and areasnearby.

Present candy and food packages are generally rectangular, and majorfood and candy manufacturers employ high-speed seal-end form fill andseal packaging machines to produce the packages at many units perminute. The rectangular packages also generally lack a secure closingmeans to prevent spillage and are of a size and configuration such thatthere is normally no convenient way to securely store them in a cupholder.

Round candy and food packaging is made generally from plastic or metalmaterials. To the extent round packaging is made from paperboard, thepackaging may lack structural integrity and require assembly by hand orwith a very expensive custom-designed, and neither is a cost effectiveoption as far as manufacturing companies are concerned because thecustom-designed machines are generally not commonly owned by productpackaging and distribution centers, to assemble and fill the roundpackaging.

Applicant’s previous hexagonal boxes, e.g. U.S. pat. publication nos.2005-0067476A1, 2006-0124709A1, were not efficient in forming the bottomof the box. In previous boxes the bottom end included onehexagonally-shaped bottom end with three small tabs foldably connectedthereto. Closure of the box was achieved in a multi-step process byfolding the hexagonal bottom end over internally-folded portions of thebox and then folding each tab upward to adhesively connect tocorresponding sidewalls of the box. Previous disclosures also presentedintegrity concerns because the only means to secure the bottom of thebox was the small tabs connected to the sidewalls. This complicatedfolding process required that the previous hexagonal boxes be folded andassembled by hand. They were not machineable because the existingseal-end form and fill machines could not line up the body of the box,and then line up the flaps and then fold and glue all of the tabs thatwere spaced around the perimeter for the box. It was simply toocomplicated. And if the previous hexagonal boxes were not lined upproperly when being formed, the end result would be crooked anddefective boxes.

Accordingly, one important objective is to provide a structurally-sounddispensing package with a one-step, automatic bottom closure which maybe conveniently stored in a cup holder, utilizing the same high-speedform, fill and seal packaging machine used to form rectangular cardboardor paperboard packaging.

SUMMARY

The present invention satisfies this need. In an embodiment, the presentinvention is directed to my blank used to form a hexagonal shaped box.The blank has a front sidewall, a back sidewall, a first sidewall, asecond sidewall, a second sidewall bottom flap extension, a thirdsidewall, a fourth sidewall, a fourth sidewall bottom flap extension, aninner sidewall, an inner sidewall flap, a top panel, a bottom panel anda slide.

The front sidewall is foldably connected to the back sidewall and theback sidewall can include a back sidewall adhesive area.

The first sidewall is foldably connected to the back sidewall. The firstsidewall can have a first sidewall top flap and a first sidewall bottomflap foldably connected to the first sidewall.

The second sidewall is foldably connected to the first sidewall oppositethe back sidewall. The second sidewall can have a second sidewall topflap and a second sidewall bottom flap foldably connected to the secondsidewall.

The second sidewall bottom flap extension is foldably connected to thesecond sidewall bottom flap opposite the side second sidewall.

The third sidewall is foldably connected to the front sidewall oppositethe second sidewall. The third sidewall can have a third sidewall toppanel foldably connected to the third sidewall.

The fourth sidewall is foldably connected to the third sidewall oppositethe front sidewall. The fourth sidewall can have a fourth sidewall topflap and a fourth sidewall bottom flap foldably connected to the fourthsidewall.

The fourth sidewall bottom flap extension is foldably connected to thefourth sidewall bottom flap opposite the fourth sidewall.

The inner sidewall is foldably connected to the fourth sidewall oppositethe third sidewall. The inner sidewall can have inner sidewall stops andan inner bottom support panel foldably connected to the inner sidewall.

The inner sidewall flap is foldably connected to the inner sidewallopposite the fourth sidewall. An outer surface of the inner sidewallflap can include an inner sidewall adhesive area.

The top panel is foldably connected to the front sidewall and includesan aperture for dispensing food product there through.

The bottom panel is foldably connected to the front sidewall oppositethe top panel.

The slide is foldably connected to the front sidewall opposite the backsidewall. The slide can include angled stop portions and slide stopsadjacent the angled stop portions.

Optionally, the first sidewall top flap has a first slit and the fourthsidewall top flap has a second slit.

Optionally, the top panel has a top panel first flap and a top panelsecond flap configured for insertion into the first slit and the secondslit, respectively.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to my method offolding the blank. The method comprises the steps of:

-   a) folding the fourth sidewall and the first sidewall at    substantially ninety degrees towards the front sidewall;-   b) folding the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall;-   c) folding the inner sidewall over the front sidewall and folding    the inner sidewall flap at substantially ninety degrees;-   d) folding the back sidewall such that the back sidewall adhesive    area contacts the inner sidewall such that the back sidewall and    inner sidewall are adhesively connected;-   e) folding the bottom panel substantially at ninety degrees toward    an interior of the partially formed hexagonal box;-   f) folding first sidewall bottom flap and the third sidewall bottom    flap on top of the bottom panel;-   g) folding the second sidewall bottom flap and the fourth sidewall    bottom flap such that fourth sidewall bottom flap extension overlaps    and is glued to at least a portion of the third sidewall bottom flap    and the second sidewall bottom flap extension overlaps and is glued    to at least a portion of the first sidewall bottom flap;-   h) folding the inner bottom support panel onto the folded bottom    panel such that a portion of the inner bottom support panel is glued    to the bottom panel;-   i) folding the first sidewall top flap, a second sidewall top flap,    third sidewall top flap, and fourth sidewall top flap substantially    ninety degrees towards the interior of the partially formed    hexagonal box; and-   j) folding the slide substantially ninety degrees towards the    interior of the partially formed hexagonal box and folding the top    panel substantially ninety degrees and above the slide, such that    the top panel is glued to the first sidewall top flap and    overlapping second sidewall top flap, and fourth sidewall top flap    and overlapping third sidewall top flap, respectively.

Optionally, after h) and before step i) candy or small food pieces areplaced into the box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the present invention may become apparent to thoseskilled in the art with the benefit of the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a solid productdispensing package or box illustrating the principles of the box,mounted in one of the drink holders in a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a flat pattern view of a cardboard or paperboard blank of thefirst embodiment which can be folded to form the hexagonal container orbox with slide opening;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the firstembodiment showing a first assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the firstembodiment showing a second assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the firstembodiment showing a third assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the partially-assembled hexagonal box ofthe first embodiment flattened for storage until filling and completeassembly of the box;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the firstembodiment showing a fourth assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the firstembodiment showing a fifth assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the firstembodiment showing a sixth assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of candy or other small pieces of foodloaded into the bottom of the partially assembled box showing a seventhassembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bottom of the partially assembledhexagonal box, showing a final assembly step;

FIG. 12 shows the bottom of the assembled box;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the assembled box in an uprightposition;

FIG. 14 is a flat pattern view of the cardboard or paperboard blank of asecond embodiment which can be folded to form the hexagonal container orbox with slide opening;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the secondembodiment showing a fourth assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the secondembodiment showing a fifth assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the secondembodiment showing a sixth assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of popcorn other small pieces of food orcandy loaded into the bottom of the partially assembled box and showinga seventh assembly step toward forming the second embodiment of thehexagonal box with slide opening;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the assembledbox dispensing popcorn or other small pieces of food or candy;

FIG. 20 is a flat pattern view of the cardboard or paperboard blank of athird embodiment which can be folded to form the hexagonal container orbox with slide opening;

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the thirdembodiment showing a fourth assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the thirdembodiment showing a fifth assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the thirdembodiment showing a sixth assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of popcorn other small pieces of food orcandy loaded into the bottom of the partially assembled box and showinga seventh assembly step toward forming the third embodiment of thehexagonal box with slide opening; and

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the thirdembodiment showing an eighth assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the thirdembodiment showing a ninth assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the thirdembodiment showing a tenth assembly step toward forming the hexagonalbox with slide opening; and

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the assembledbox dispensing popcorn or other small pieces of food or candy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the following terms and variations thereof have themeanings given below, unless a different meaning is clearly intended bythe context in which such term is used.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referents used herein are tobe construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless theirusage in context indicates otherwise.

As used in this disclosure, the term “comprise” and variations of theterm, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” are not intended to excludeother additives, components, integers ingredients or steps.

All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example onlyand are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown inthese Figures are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood bythose with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, theactual dimensions and proportions of any system, any device or part of adevice disclosed in this disclosure will be determined by its intendeduse.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding features throughout the several views.Further, described herein are certain non-limiting embodiments of myinvention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an assembled hexagonally-shapedproduct dispensing package or box 100 installed in a cup holder of aconventional automobile. As shown in FIG. 13 , the hexagonal containeror box 100 has a product-dispensing aperture 124 preferably in the topend 114 of the hexagonal container or box 100. A slide 120 integrallyformed from the box material and placed under a top panel 160 may beselectively moved to open or close the aperture 124. The slide 120 isfoldably connected to an actuating sidewall 126 and a back sidewall 128is foldably connected to the actuating sidewall 126 opposite the slide120. A buck sidewall 128 is adhesively connected to an inner sidewall142, permitting the actuation sidewall 126 to move independent of theback sidewall 128 and facilitate movement of the slide 120 to open orclose the aperture 124. The inner sidewall 142 includes inner sidewallstops 143 (FIG. 1 ) and the slide 120 includes slide stops 123configured such that when the slide 120 is moved to an open position,interaction between the inner sidewall stops 143 and slide stops 123prevent the slide 120 from dislodging from the box 100. The actuationsidewall 126 may also serve as a handle for removing the box 100 from avehicle drink holding receptacle, and for passing the box to others, forexample.

FIG. 2 illustrates a die cut paper or cardboard blank 101 that may beused to form the box 100 (FIG. 13 ). The cardboard blank 101 has a topend 114 and a bottom end 116 and is scored for folding such that the box100 is a hexagonal shape. Major portions of the cardboard blank 101include a front sidewall 136, back sidewall 128, inner sidewall 142,first sidewall 132, second sidewall 134, third sidewall 138, fourthsidewall 140, top panel 160, bottom panel 170 and 120 slide.

Still referring to FIG. 2 , the actuation sidewall 126 is foldablyconnected to the back sidewall 128, and the slide 120 is foldablyconnected to the actuation sidewall 126 opposite the back sidewall 128.The back sidewall 128 includes a back sidewall adhesive area 148. Theslide 120 includes angled stop portions 122 adjacent the top end 114 ofthe slide 120, and the slide stops 123 are adjacent the angled stopportions 122. The first sidewall 132 is foldably connected to the backsidewall 128, and the second sidewall 134 is foldably connected to thefirst sidewall 132 opposite the back sidewall 128. The first sidewall132 includes a first sidewall top flap 150 foldably connected to the topend 114 of the first sidewall 132, and the first sidewall bottom flap165 is foldably connected to the bottom end 116 of the first sidewall132. The second sidewall 134 includes a second sidewall top flap 152foldably connected to the top end 114 of the second sidewall 134, andthe second sidewall bottom flap 168 foldably connected to the bottom 116of the second sidewall 134. The second sidewall bottom flap extension169 is foldably connected to the second sidewall bottom flap 168opposite the second sidewall 134.

Still referring to FIG. 2 , the front sidewall 136 is foldably connectedto the second sidewall 134 opposite the first sidewall 132. The frontsidewall 136 includes a top panel 160 foldably connected to the top end114 of the top panel 160. The front sidewall 136 also includes a bottompanel 170 foldably connected to the bottom end 116 of the front sidewall136. The top panel 160 includes an aperture 124 preferably locationadjacent the front sidewall 136, and a top panel first flap 162 and toppanel second flap 164 foldably connected to the top panel 160 adjacentthe bottom end 116 of the top panel 160. The third sidewall 138 isfoldably connected to the front panel 136 opposite the second sidewall134. The third sidewall 138 includes a third sidewall top flap 156foldably connected to the top end 114 of the third sidewall 138, and athird sidewall flap 166 foldably connected to the bottom end 116 of thethird sidewall 138.

Still referring to FIG. 2 , the fourth sidewall 140 is foldablyconnected to the third sidewall 138 opposite the front panel 136, andthe inner sidewall 142 is foldably connected to the fourth sidewall 140opposite the third sidewall 138. The fourth sidewall 140 includes afourth sidewall top flap 154 foldably connected to the top end 114 ofthe fourth sidewall 140, and a fourth sidewall bottom flap 172 foldablyconnected to the bottom end 116 of the fourth sidewall 140. A fourthsidewall bottom flap extension 174 is foldably connected to the fourthsidewall bottom flap 172, opposite the fourth sidewall 140. The innersidewall 142 includes inner sidewall stops 143 on the top end 114 of theinner sidewall 142, and an inner bottom support panel 130 is foldablyconnected to the bottom end 116 of the inner sidewall 142. Lastly, theinner sidewall flap 144 is foldably connected to the inner sidewall 142opposite the fourth sidewall 140. The outer surface of the innersidewall flap 144 includes an inner sidewall adhesive area 146 (FIG. 3).

Now referring to FIG. 3 , a first assembly step of forming the hexagonalbox 100 (FIG. 13 ) may be folding the fourth sidewall 140 and firstsidewall 132 at substantially ninety degrees towards the front sidewall136 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 3 .

Referring now to FIG. 4 , the third sidewall 138, the fourth sidewall140 and inner sidewall 142 are folded over the front sidewall 136 (notshown), and the inner sidewall flap 144 (not shown) is folded atsubstantially ninety degrees. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 4 , a nextassembly step may be folding the back sidewall 128 such that the backsidewall adhesive area 148 contacts the inner sidewall 142, adhesivelyconnected the back sidewall 128 to the inner sidewall 142. In thisconfiguration, the inner sidewall adhesive area 146 (not shown) contactsthe first sidewall 132 (now shown) such that the inner sidewall flap 144adhesively connects to the first sidewall 132.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the back sidewall 128 is adhesively connected tothe inner sidewall 142 (not shown) and actuation sidewall 126.

FIG. 6 illustrates the hexagonal box 100 (FIG. 13 ) in a partiallyassembled and flattened configuration, preferred for storage afterassembly but prior to being filled.

As shown by the arrows in FIG. 7 , a next assembly step may be foldingthe first sidewall top flap 150, a second sidewall top flap 152, fourthsidewall flap 154, and third sidewall top flap 156 substantially ninetydegrees towards the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box 100(FIG. 13 ). As seen in FIGS. 8-9 , the second sidewall top flap 152 ispreferably folded over the first sidewall top flap 150, and the thirdsidewall top flap 156 is preferably folded over the fourth sidewall topflap 154. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 8 , a next assembly step may befolding the slide 120 substantially ninety degrees towards the interiorof the partially formed hexagonal box 100 (FIG. 13 ), folding the toppanel 160 substantially ninety degrees over the slide 120, folding thetop panel first flap 162 substantially ninety degrees to adhesivelyconnect to the second sidewall 134 (not shown), and folding the toppanel second flap 164 substantially ninety degrees to adhesively connectto the third sidewall 138. FIG. 9 illustrates completion of the assemblystep.

FIG. 10 illustrates the filling process, placing the partially formedhexagonal box 100 (FIG. 13 ) with the bottom end 116 upright such thatcandy or small food pieces may 176 be placed into the box 100 throughthe opened bottom end 116. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 10 , the nextassembly steps may include folding the first sidewall bottom flap 165,second sidewall bottom flap 168, third sidewall bottom flap 166, fourthsidewall bottom flap 172, and inner bottom support panel 130substantially at ninety degrees toward the interior of the partiallyformed hexagonal box 100.

FIG. 11 shows the inner bottom support panel 130 adjacent the firstsidewall bottom flap 165, second sidewall bottom flap 168, secondsidewall bottom flap extension 169, third sidewall bottom flap 166,fourth sidewall bottom flap 172 and fourth sidewall bottom flapextension 174. In this configuration, the third sidewall bottom flap 166is preferably folded over a portion of the fourth sidewall bottom flapextension 174, and the first sidewall bottom flap 165 is preferablyfolded over a portion of the second sidewall bottom flap 168. As shownby the arrows in FIG. 11 , a final assembly step may be a one-step,automatic closure achieved by folding the bottom panel 170 substantiallyninety degrees and adhesively connected to the inner bottom supportpanel 130, first sidewall bottom flap 165, second sidewall bottom flap168, second sidewall bottom flap extension 169, third sidewall bottomflap 166, fourth sidewall bottom flap 172 and fourth sidewall bottomflap extension 174. As seen in FIG. 12 , structural integrity isachieved because the bottom panel 170 adhesively connects to extensionsof the first sidewall 132 (the first sidewall bottom flap 165), secondsidewall 134 (not shown) (the second sidewall bottom flap 168 and secondsidewall bottom flap extension 169), third sidewall 138 (the third sidewall bottom flap 166), fourth sidewall 140 (the fourth sidewall bottomflap 172 and fourth sidewall bottom flap extension 174), and innersidewall 142 (not shown) (the inner bottom support panel 130).

FIG. 14 illustrates a second embodiment of a die cut paper or cardboardblank 201 used to form the box 200 (FIG. 19 ). The second embodiment isdesigned for manual (as opposed to automated utilizing machines) closingof the box 200. The cardboard blank 201 has a top end 214 and a bottomend 216 and is scored for folding such that the box 200 is a hexagonalshape. Major portions of the cardboard blank 201 include a frontsidewall 236, back sidewall 228, inner sidewall 242, first sidewall 232,second sidewall 234, third sidewall 238, fourth sidewall 240, top panel260, bottom panel 270 and slide 220.

Still referring to FIG. 14 , an actuation sidewall 226 is foldablyconnected to the back sidewall 228, and the slide 220 is foldablyconnected to the actuation sidewall 226 opposite the back sidewall 228.The back sidewall 228 includes a back sidewall adhesive area 248. Theslide 220 includes angled stop portions 222 adjacent the top end 214 ofthe slide 220, and slide stops 223 adjacent the angled stop portions222. The first sidewall 232 is foldably connected to the back sidewall228, and the second sidewall 234 is foldably connected to the firstsidewall 232 opposite the back sidewall 228. The first sidewall 232includes a first sidewall top flap 250 foldably connected to the top end214 of the first sidewall 232, and the first sidewall top flap 250includes a first slit 235 adjacent the first sidewall 232. The firstsidewall 232 also includes a first sidewall bottom flap 265 foldablyconnected to the bottom end 216 of the first sidewall 232. The secondsidewall 234 includes a second sidewall top flap 252 foldably connectedto the top end 214 of the second sidewall 234. The second sidewall 234also includes a second sidewall bottom flap 268 foldably connected tothe bottom end 216 of the second sidewall 234, and a second sidewallbottom flap extension 269 foldably connected to the second sidewallbottom flap 268 opposite the second sidewall 234.

Still referring to FIG. 14 , the front sidewall 236 is foldablyconnected to the second sidewall 234 opposite the first sidewall 232.The top panel 260 is foldably connected to the top end 214 of the frontsidewall 236 and includes an aperture 224 located preferably adjacentthe top end 216 of the front sidewall 236, and a foldably connected toppanel first flap 262 and top panel second flap 264 adjacent the top end214, and on opposite sides, of the top panel 260. The front sidewall 236also includes a bottom panel 270 foldably connected to bottom end 216 ofthe front sidewall 236. The third sidewall 238 is foldably connected tothe front panel 236 opposite second sidewall 234, and includes a thirdsidewall top flap 256 foldably connected to the top end 214 of the thirdsidewall 238.

Still referring to FIG. 14 , the fourth sidewall 240 is foldablyconnected to the third sidewall 238 opposite the front panel 236, andthe inner sidewall 242 is foldably connected to the fourth sidewall 240opposite the third sidewall 238. The fourth sidewall 240 includes afourth sidewall top flap 245 foldably connected to the top end 214 ofthe fourth sidewall 240, and the fourth sidewall top flap 254 includes asecond slit 239 adjacent the fourth sidewall 240. The fourth sidewall240 also includes a fourth sidewall bottom flap 272 foldably connectedto the bottom end 116 of the fourth sidewall 240, and a fourth sidewallbottom flap extension 274 is foldably connected to the fourth sidewallbottom flap 272 opposite the fourth sidewall 240. The inner sidewall 242includes inner sidewall stops 243 on the top end 214 of the innersidewall 242, and an inner bottom support panel 230 foldably connectedto the bottom end 216 of the inner sidewall 242. Lastly, the innersidewall flap 244 is foldably connected to the inner sidewall 242opposite the fourth sidewall 240. The outer surface of inner sidewallflap 244 includes an inner sidewall adhesive area 246 (similar to FIG. 3).

Similar to assembly of the first embodiment of the hexagonal box 100, afirst assembly step of forming the second embodiment of the hexagonalbox 200 may be folding the fourth sidewall 240 and first sidewall 232 atsubstantially ninety degrees towards the front sidewall 236. (See FIG. 3). A second assembly step may be folding the third sidewall 238, fourthsidewall 240, the inner sidewall 242 over the front sidewall 236, andfolding the inner sidewall flap 244 at substantially ninety degrees.(See FIG. 4 ). A third assembly step may be folding the back sidewall228 such that the back sidewall adhesive area 248 contacts the innersidewall 242 such that the back sidewall 228 and inner sidewall 242 areadhesively connected. (See FIG. 5 ). In this configuration, the innersidewall adhesive area 246 contacts the first sidewall 232 such that theinner sidewall flap 244 adhesively connects to the first sidewall 232,and the back sidewall 228 is adhesively connected to the inner sidewall242. (See FIG. 5 ).

As shown by the arrows in FIG. 15 , a next assembly step may be foldingthe first sidewall top flap 250, a second sidewall top flap 252, thirdsidewall top flap 256, and fourth sidewall top flap 254 substantiallyninety degrees towards the interior of the partially formed hexagonalbox 200 (FIG. 19 ). As shown by the arrows in FIG. 16 , a next assemblystep may be folding the slide 220 substantially ninety degrees towardsthe interior of the partially formed hexagonal box 200 and folding thetop panel 260 substantially ninety degrees and above the slide 120. Inthis configuration, the top panel first flap 262 and top panel secondflap 264 are folded at substantially ninety degrees and insert withinthe first slit 235 and second slit 239, respectively. FIG. 17illustrates completion of the assembly step.

FIG. 18 illustrates the filling process, placing the partially formedhexagonal box 200 (FIG. 19 ) with the bottom end 216 upright such thatpopcorn or small food pieces of food 276 may be placed into the box 200through the opened bottom end 116. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 18 ,the next assembly steps may include folding the first sidewall bottomflap 265, second sidewall bottom flap 268, third sidewall bottom flap266, fourth sidewall bottom flap 272, and inner bottom support panel 230substantially at ninety degrees towards the interior of the partiallyformed hexagonal box 200. Similar to the first embodiment of thehexagonal box 100, a final assembly step may be a one-step, automaticclosure achieved by the folding bottom support panel 270 substantiallyninety degrees and adhesively connecting to the inner bottom supportpanel 230, first sidewall bottom flap 265, second sidewall bottom flap268, second sidewall bottom flap extension 269, third sidewall bottomflap 266, fourth sidewall bottom flap 272 and fourth sidewall bottomflap extension 274.

FIG. 19 shows the assembled hexagonal box 200. The slide 220 islaterally moved away from the top panel 260 to open the aperture 224 anddispense popcorn or other small pieces of food 276.

Optionally, the bottom end 216 of the second embodiment can be glued andclosed first, following the steps outlined above. This allows the secondembodiment to be filled through the open top end 214 (as opposed to theopen bottom end 216 shown in the FIGS.). Once the second embodiment isfilled through the open top end 214, the open top end 214 can then beclosed and sealed as discussed above.

FIG. 20 illustrates a third embodiment of a die cut paper or cardboardblank 301 used to form the box 300 (FIG. 27 ). The cardboard blank 301has a top end 314 and a bottom end 316 and is scored for folding suchthat the box 300 is a hexagonal shape. Major portions of the cardboardblank 301 include a front sidewall 326, back sidewall 328, innersidewall 342, first sidewall 332, second sidewall 334, third sidewall338, fourth sidewall 340, top panel 360, bottom panel 370 and slide 320.

Still referring to FIG. 20 , an actuation sidewall 326 is foldablyconnected to the back sidewall 328, and the slide 320 is foldablyconnected to the actuation sidewall 326 opposite the back sidewall 328.The back sidewall 328 includes a back sidewall adhesive area 348. Theslide 320 includes angled stop portions 322 adjacent the top end 314 ofthe slide 320, and slide stops 323 adjacent the angled stop portions322. The first sidewall 332 is foldably connected to the back sidewall328, and the second sidewall 334 is foldably connected to the firstsidewall 332 opposite the back sidewall 328. The first sidewall 332includes a first sidewall top flap 350 foldably connected to the top end314 of the first sidewall 332. The first sidewall 332 also includes afirst sidewall bottom flap 365 foldably connected to the bottom end 316of the first sidewall 332. The second sidewall 334 includes a secondsidewall top flap 352 foldably connected to the top end 314 of thesecond sidewall 334. The second sidewall 334 also includes a secondsidewall bottom flap 368 foldably connected to the bottom end 316 of thesecond sidewall 334, and a second sidewall bottom flap extension 369foldably connected to the second sidewall bottom flap 368 opposite thesecond sidewall 334.

Still referring to FIG. 20 , the front sidewall 336 is foldablyconnected to the second sidewall 334 opposite the first sidewall 332.The top panel 360 is foldably connected to the top end 314 of the frontsidewall 336 and includes an aperture 324 located preferably adjacentthe top end 316 of the front sidewall 336. The front sidewall 336 alsoincludes a bottom panel 370 foldably connected to bottom end 316 of thefront sidewall 336. The third sidewall 338 is foldably connected to thefront sidewall 336 opposite second sidewall 334, and includes a thirdsidewall top flap 356 foldably connected to the top end 314 of the thirdsidewall 338.

Still referring to FIG. 20 , the fourth sidewall 340 is foldablyconnected to the third sidewall 338 opposite the front panel 336, andthe inner sidewall 342 is foldably connected to the fourth sidewall 340opposite the third sidewall 338. The fourth sidewall 340 includes afourth sidewall top flap 354 foldably connected to the top end 314 ofthe fourth sidewall 340. The fourth sidewall 340 also includes a fourthsidewall bottom flap 372 foldably connected to the bottom end 316 of thefourth sidewall 340, and a fourth sidewall bottom flap extension 374 isfoldably connected to the fourth sidewall bottom flap 372 opposite thefourth sidewall 340. The inner sidewall 342 includes inner sidewallstops 343 on the top end 314 of the inner sidewall 342, and an innerbottom support panel 330 foldably connected to the bottom end 316 of theinner sidewall 342. Lastly, the inner sidewall flap 344 is foldablyconnected to the inner sidewall 342 opposite the fourth sidewall 340.The outer surface of inner sidewall flap 344 includes an inner sidewalladhesive area 346 (similar to FIG. 3 ).

Similar to assembly of the first embodiment of the hexagonal box 100, afirst assembly step of forming the third embodiment of the hexagonal box300 may be folding the fourth sidewall 340 and the first sidewall 332 atsubstantially ninety degrees towards the front sidewall 336. (See FIG. 3). A second assembly step may be folding the third sidewall 338 and thefourth sidewall 340, and then folding the inner sidewall 342 over thefront sidewall 336, and then folding the inner sidewall flap 344 atsubstantially ninety degrees. (See FIG. 4 ). A third assembly step maybe folding the back sidewall 328 such that the back sidewall adhesivearea 348 contacts the inner sidewall 342 such that the back sidewall 328and inner sidewall 342 are adhesively connected. (See FIG. 5 ). In thisconfiguration, the inner sidewall adhesive area 346 contacts the firstsidewall 332 such that the inner sidewall flap 344 adhesively connectsto the first sidewall 332, and the back sidewall 328 is adhesivelyconnected to the inner sidewall 342. (See FIG. 5 ).

As shown by the arrows in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the next assembly steps mayinclude first folding the hexagonal shaped bottom panel 370substantially at ninety degrees toward the interior of the partiallyformed hexagonal box 300, then the folding first sidewall bottom flap365 and the third sidewall bottom flap 366 on top of the bottom panel370, then folding the second sidewall bottom flap 368 and the fourthsidewall bottom flap 372 such that fourth sidewall bottom flap extension374 overlaps at least a portion of the third sidewall bottom flap 366and the second sidewall bottom flap extension 369 overlaps at least aportion of the first sidewall bottom flap 365. The fourth sidewallbottom flap extension 374 is then glued to the third sidewall bottomflap 366 and the second sidewall bottom flap extension 369 is glued tothe first sidewall bottom flap 365 using adhesive areas 377.

The hexagonal shape of the bottom panel 370 is important for severalreasons. First, due to the positioning of panel 370 within the partiallyformed box 300 once panel 370 has been folded, panel 370 providessupport from the inside of the box 300 to keep the box 300 in itshexagonal form. This is important because the structural support thatpanel 370 provides allows the packaging machine to pick up the partiallyformed box 300 in order to complete the form and fill process. Second,panel 370 also forms the base upon which tabs 365, 366 are glued to.This makes the box 300 very efficient from the standpoint of the formand fill machine. And third, panel 370 allows all of the sidewalls,flaps and tabs of the box 300 to be properly aligned due to thehexagonal shape of the 370. FIG. 22 shows this alignment, wherein panel370 is inside the partially formed box 300 and.

FIG. 23 shows the folding of the inner bottom support panel 330 onto thefolded bottom panel 370. Inner bottom support panel 330 is then glued tobottom panel 370 using adhesive area 371, achieving structuralintegrity.

FIG. 24 illustrates the filling process, wherein the partially formedbox 300 is oriented up-right, such that the bottom 316 of the partiallyformed box 300 is formed and sealed, and the top end 314 is up-right andopen and configured for top loading. The top loading feature isimportant because the partially formed box 300 is already properlyoriented in the form and fill machine for loading. If the box 300required to be loaded from the bottom, the form and fill machine wouldhave to change the orientation of the box 300 to fill it. This change inorientation is not efficient, or even practical, in the real world ofmass-manufacturing.

In the filling process illustrated in FIG. 24 , dispensing products,including but not limited to, candies, pharmaceutical products, or smallfood pieces may 376 be placed into the box 300 through the opened topend 314. Thus, boxes 100, 200 and 300 are not limited to use in the foodindustry, but can be used in any industry that requires a box todispense a plurality of small items (dispensing products).

As shown by the arrows in FIGS. 24-26 , a next assembly step may befolding the first sidewall top flap 350 and the fourth sidewall top flap354 substantially ninety degrees towards the interior of the partiallyformed hexagonal box 300. As shown by the arrows in FIGS. 25 and 26 , anext assembly step may be folding the slide 320 substantially ninetydegrees towards the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box 300.Then, the second sidewall top flap 352 and the third sidewall top flap356 are both folded substantially ninety degrees towards the interior ofthe partially formed hexagonal box 300. Flaps 352 and 356 function as aholding guide for slide 320. And finally, the top panel 360 is foldedsubstantially ninety degrees such that edges 361 of top panel 360 areglued to adhesive areas 363 on the first sidewall top flap 350 andfourth sidewall top flap 354.

The folding of top flaps 350, 354, 352, and 356 are important becausethey align the open top end 314 of the box 300 with the formed hexagonalbottom 316. The top end 314 must be properly aligned so that top panel360 is properly aligned and glued. As shown in the figures, slide 320has a pull tab 321 for easy gripping by a user’s finger. Pull tab 321allows the user to pull and push slide 320 out of and into the box 300.The folding of top flaps 350, 354, 352, and 356 ensure that pull tab 321is properly aligned to effect proper movement of slide 320.

This top flap folding configuration also provides the structural supportnecessary for the top dispensing mechanism (slide 320 and opening 324)to properly function. Slide 320 is positioned such that flaps 350 and354 are below slide 320, and flaps 352 and 356 are above slide 320.Flaps 350 and 354 function as a base for supporting slide 320 andholding slide 320 up and against opening 324. Flaps 352 and 356 functionas a holding guide for slide 320 to keep slide 320 straight when it getsslid in and out of the box 300. Without flaps 352 and 356, slide 320would be able to move sideways and out of alignment with opening 324.

FIG. 27 illustrates completion of the assembly step, wherein top panel360 and opening 324 are properly aligned with slide 320.

FIG. 28 illustrates use of the assembled hexagonal box 300. The slide220 is laterally moved away from the top panel 360 to open the aperture324 and dispense popcorn or other dispensing products 376.

The box 100, 200, 300 of the present invention has the followingadvantages:

All three embodiments 100, 200, 300 have seal-ends, which is a notableadvantage over Applicants prior applications: U.S. patent publicationnos. 2005-0067470A1, 2006-0124709A1. Applicant’s prior applications arenot seal-end boxes, and seal-end boxes are necessary for use withstandard seal-end form and fill machines used by most food andmass-manufacturers. Moreover, Applicant’s prior applications truly werenot feasible for use in the mass-production food industry. Theconfiguration of the prior designs did not permit them to be used instandard seal-end form and fill machines. The prior design could not beheld open in the hexagonal shape and glued and filled. It simply didn’twork from a mass-production standpoint.

Notable differences between Applicant’s prior applications and theembodiments of the present invention include removal of a plurality ofglue tabs from the top and bottom panels in the blank designs inApplicant’s prior applications to achieve the seal-end design of theembodiments of the present invention. The presence of the glue tabs inthe prior applications required the mass-production machines to performmovements they are not designed to perform. And most food manufacturersare not going to modify the very expensive machines they already have toaccommodate use of a new box. As such, it was necessary to modify thedesign of the hexagonal box so that it could be used with standard formand fill machines without any modification.

Other changes in design include removal of extra top panels and changesin the shape and configuration of the bottom flaps. Both of thesechanges contribute to the commercialability of the embodiments of thepresent invention.

The foregoing descriptions have been presented only for purposes ofillustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the present invention to the forms disclosed. Accordingly, manymodifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilledin the art. Additionally, the above disclosure is not intended to limitthe present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined bythe appended claims.

Although a very narrow claim in presented herein, it should berecognized the scope of this invention is much broader than presented bythe claim. It is intended that broader claims will be submitted in anapplication that claims the benefit of priority from the application.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings discloseany additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the singleclaim below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and theright to file one or more applications to claim such additionalinventions is reserved.

What is claimed is:
 1. A blank used to form a hexagonal shaped box, theblank having: a) a front sidewall and a back sidewall, wherein the frontsidewall is foldably connected to the back sidewall; b) a first sidewallfoldably connected to the back sidewall; c) a second sidewall foldablyconnected to the first sidewall opposite the back sidewall, wherein thesecond sidewall has a second sidewall top flap and a second sidewallbottom flap foldably connected to the second sidewall; d) a secondsidewall bottom flap extension foldably connected to the second sidewallbottom flap opposite the side second sidewall; e) a third sidewallfoldably connected to the front sidewall opposite the second sidewall,the third sidewall having a third sidewall top panel foldably connectedto the third sidewall; f) a fourth sidewall foldably connected to thethird sidewall opposite the front sidewall, wherein the fourth sidewallhas a fourth sidewall top flap and a fourth sidewall bottom flapfoldably connected to the fourth sidewall; g) a fourth sidewall bottomflap extension foldably connected to the fourth sidewall bottom flapopposite the fourth sidewall; h) an inner sidewall foldably connected tothe fourth sidewall opposite the third sidewall, the inner sidewallhaving inner sidewall stops and an inner bottom support panel foldablyconnected to the inner sidewall; i) an inner sidewall flap foldablyconnected to the inner sidewall opposite the fourth sidewall; j) a toppanel foldably connected to the front sidewall and including an aperturefor dispensing food product there through; k) a bottom panel foldablyconnected to the front sidewall opposite the top panel; and l) a slidefoldably connected to the front sidewall opposite the back sidewall. 2.The blank of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall top flap has a firstslit and the fourth sidewall top flap has a second slit.
 3. The blank ofclaim 2, wherein the top panel has a top panel first flap and a toppanel second flap configured for insertion into the first slit and thesecond slit, respectively.
 4. The blank of claim 1, wherein the backsidewall includes a back sidewall adhesive area.
 5. The blank of claim1, wherein an outer surface of the inner sidewall flap includes an innersidewall adhesive area.
 6. The blank of claim 1, wherein the slideincludes angled stop portions and slide stops adjacent the angled stopportions.
 7. A blank used to form a hexagonal shaped box, the blankhaving: a) a front sidewall and a back sidewall, wherein the frontsidewall is foldably connected to the back sidewall; b) a first sidewallfoldably connected to the back sidewall; c) a second sidewall foldablyconnected to the first sidewall opposite the back sidewall; d) a secondsidewall bottom flap extension foldably connected to the second sidewallbottom flap opposite the side second sidewall; e) a third sidewallfoldably connected to the front sidewall opposite the second sidewall;f) a fourth sidewall foldably connected to the third sidewall oppositethe front sidewall; g) a fourth sidewall bottom flap extension foldablyconnected to the fourth sidewall bottom flap opposite the fourthsidewall; h) an inner sidewall foldably connected to the fourth sidewallopposite the third sidewall; i) an inner sidewall flap foldablyconnected to the inner sidewall opposite the fourth sidewall; j) a toppanel foldably connected to the front sidewall and including an aperturefor dispensing food product there through; k) a bottom panel foldablyconnected to the front sidewall opposite the top panel; and l) a slidefoldably connected to the front sidewall opposite the back sidewall. 8.The blank of claim 7, wherein the back sidewall includes a back sidewalladhesive area.
 9. The blank of claim 7, wherein an outer surface of theinner sidewall flap includes an inner sidewall adhesive area.
 10. Theblank of claim 7, wherein the inner sidewall has inner sidewall stopsand an inner bottom support panel foldably connected to the innersidewall.
 11. The blank of claim 7, wherein the slide includes angledstop portions and slide stops adjacent the angled stop portions.
 12. Theblank of claim 7, wherein the first sidewall top flap has a first slitand the fourth sidewall top flap has a second slit.
 13. The blank ofclaim 12, wherein the top panel has a top panel first flap and a toppanel second flap configured for insertion into the first slit and thesecond slit, respectively.
 14. The blank of claim 7, wherein the firstsidewall has a first sidewall top flap and a first sidewall bottom flapfoldably connected to the first sidewall.
 15. The blank of claim 7,wherein the second sidewall has a second sidewall top flap and a secondsidewall bottom flap foldably connected to the second sidewall.
 16. Theblank of claim 7, wherein the third sidewall has a third sidewall toppanel foldably connected to the third sidewall.
 17. The blank of claim7, wherein the fourth sidewall has a fourth sidewall top flap and afourth sidewall bottom flap foldably connected to the fourth sidewall.